Roses and Thistles: Young conservation workers deserve thanks

The Des Moines Register editorial board is bestowing a rose each day in December in recognition of the good that is found in Iowa.

- Randy Evans, opinion editor

A rose to groups organizing young people to lend their energy (and strong backs) to help Mother Nature. This includes the Nature Conservancy of Iowa and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Launched in 2009, Conservation Corps Iowa is an Ameri­Corps program that some Iowans may not have heard of yet. The young people are fully equipped for tree planting, fish and wildlife surveys, controlled burns and basic carpentry. Iowa crews help county conservation boards and soil and water conservation districts, and they have assisted in disaster recovery. While this state desperately needs more money to fund conservation projects (a need lawmakers could address by finally raising the state sales tax a fraction of a penny), preserving and improving natural resources comes down to people putting in the time and devoting their energy. The young people taking part in the Conservation Corps Iowa learn new skills and the value of hard work. Among the words Iowa participants use to describe their experience: "sweaty," "fun" and "educational." Mother Nature - and the people of Iowa - thank them for their service.

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Roses and Thistles: Young conservation workers deserve thanks

The Des Moines Register editorial board is bestowing a rose each day in December in recognition of the good that is found in Iowa.